Chapter 345 Provocation (1/2)

As Arran approached the group, the Rangers' leader gave him a dismissive look.

"Another outsider dog has come to join us?"

One of the Rangers chuckled, but the other three showed no response. Instead, their expressions remained cautious as they observed the situation, as if they were expecting battle to erupt at any moment.

And no wonder — even ignoring Arran, a hundred mercenaries were standing just a few dozen paces away, eyes filled with fury and with hands that were dangerously close to drawing their weapons.

Arran, meanwhile, clenched his jaw, only barely restraining himself from drawing his weapon and cutting down the Rangers where they stood. Strong though they might be, with the hidden strength he held they'd be no match for him. If there was no other choice, he wouldn't hesitate to reveal that strength.

Yet he recognized the Rangers' intent — to provoke a fight. And if he'd learned one thing from the captain's manuscripts, it was to never do what his enemies expected.

Of course, if the Rangers got their wish, they would soon regret it. Perhaps their leader would even feel a moment's remorse before he drowned in his own blood.

Still, Arran contained his anger. Whatever satisfaction killing the Rangers would bring, it would likely be outweighed by the trouble it caused.

The Rangers' leader sighed in disgust when he saw that Arran did not respond to the provocation.

"Yet another spineless outsider," the man said, a mocking smile on his face. "Just a whiff of real strength, and you cower like dogs."

Before Arran could respond, Captain Kaleesh rose to his feet. He gave Arran a tiny nod of approval, then turned to face the Ranger, his expression calm despite the blood on his bruised face.

"If Lord Kadun is displeased with our work," he said, "we shall redouble our efforts." He paused to wipe the blood from his chin, then continued, "Though I had hoped that clearing the mine would earn us at least some leniency."

"You thought killing some diggers would allow you to shirk your duties?" The Ranger gave him a contemptuous stare. "From now on, all of you will sleep in the mines. Perhaps that will get some work out of you."

The captain nodded. "Very well. For our citizenship, a few months of hardship is a small price to pay. We will go at once."

Frustration flashed across the Ranger's face, as the captain's reaction clearly wasn't what he'd hoped for. Yet after a moment's hesitation, he scowled and said, "Get going, then!"

The captain gave him a small bow, then turned around. "Everyone, the Rangers have seen it fit to grant us new sleeping quarters. Start moving into the mines."

Some grumbles sounded among the mercenaries, though Arran suspected that this was more out of anger at the Rangers than annoyance at their new quarters. From the looks in their eyes, he knew that there wasn't a single one among them who wouldn't attack the Rangers if ordered.

Yet the captain's bruised face showed no anger whatsoever. Instead, there was a cold, calculating look in his eyes, as if he was already planning his next move.

And whatever that next move was, Arran had little doubt that it would bring a thoroughly unpleasant surprise for the Rangers.

They spent the next hour moving the troops and belongings into the mines, careful not to do anything that would give the Rangers cause to act.

That the Rangers were still looking for an excuse to start a conflict was obvious — they watched the mercenaries closely as they moved into the mines, offering threats and insults at even the smallest mistake.

But the mercenaries followed the captain's example. Even as the Rangers shouted abuse at them, they completed their tasks with stoic expressions on their faces. There were some who struggled to contain their outrage, but a few quick words from their comrades and sergeants were enough to make them hold their tongues.

While the Rangers escort them into the mines, still eager to find any cause for punishment or conflict, they did not follow the mercenaries into the mines' lower levels.